Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Pantsuit with Bamboo Buttons, 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 37.8 in (96.02 cm)Marked Size: 42 (EU)Waist: 29 in (73.66 cm)Hip: 37.6 in (95.51 cm)
- Style:1980s (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Material Notes:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2861222289632
Gianfranco Ferré
Remembered fondly with a nod to his architecture education as the “Frank Lloyd Wright of Italian Fashion” and the “Architect of Fashion,” Milanese designer Gianfranco Ferré spent a lifetime creating handbags, dresses, jackets and other garments and accessories that were defined by meticulous tailoring and crisp geometry. Designing the iconic Lady Dior handbag after being named artistic director at Dior during the late 1980s is only one of Ferré’s impressive achievements in the fashion industry.
Ferré was born in Legnano and was raised by his mother and two aunts. He studied architecture at Milan Polytechnic but had a love for fashion, and made belts and other items for female friends in his classes. He graduated in 1969.
Ferré’s accessories caught the eye of Rosy Biffi, who operated boutiques in Milan with her sister, Adele. He was encouraged by Biffi to create clothing, and soon began creating jewelry and accessories for Christiane Bailly and Walter Albini. The latter is an unsung hero of 20th-century fashion, while Bailly was part of a small group of prominent young stylistes who helped build a sterling reputation for French ready-to-wear fashion during the 1960s. Ferré’s work was photographed by Italian Vogue, and he secured commissions from the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Elio Fiorucci.
Ferré appreciated other cultures and drew inspiration from his travels abroad. His most influential trip — a years-long stint in India — saw him bringing bright colors and patterns to his evening dresses and day dresses. While there he created a collection for the Genoa-based San Giorgio Impermeabili. Ferrè designed for brands such as Les Grenouilles and Baila, and met with Italian businessman and clothing manufacturer Franco Mattioli, who would become an important collaborator.
In 1978, Ferré and Mattioli became equal business partners in establishing Ferré’s own label, for which he designed women’s ready-to-wear and menswear collections in Milan. In 1983, he was named the first professor of fashion at the Domus Academy.
While teaching, Ferré won the Occhio d’Oro — Italy’s award for best fashion designer — six times. In 1986, he introduced his first women’s fragrance, his first couture and fur collections, and a new line called Studio 00l. A few years later, Bernard Arnault, owner of Christian Dior, appointed him artistic director.
It was unexpected for an Italian to be given the job at Dior — one of fashion’s most coveted roles — as that position traditionally went to French designers. There, as Marc Bohan’s successor, Ferré created luxurious and striking gowns that drew on his architecture studies in their sculptural forms while celebrating the long history of the legendary house. He revisited the nipped-waist silhouettes of Dior’s postwar years, and his work dazzled onlookers and exuded femininity. Ferré won the Dé d'Or prize in 1989 for his first collection at the label.
In the early 1990s, Ferré designed the Lady Dior handbag (prior to its 1995 debut, it was called the Chouchou). The boxy top-handled accessory soared to immense popularity after French first lady Bernadette Chirac gave a version in black leather to Diana, Princess of Wales. Each bag, which was eventually named for the Princess, is made from 130 pieces of leather and worked on by seven Dior craftsmen who spend at least eight hours perfecting it.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Gianfranco Ferré clothing, accessories and handbags and purses.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Kyiv, Ukraine
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hand dyed silk wedding kimono, 1970sLocated in New York, NYBeautiful vintage hand-dyed wedding kimono in Kyokanoko-Shibori technique. In white and red tones adorned with a floral pattern. Period – 1970s Fabric – 100% silk Condition – v...Category
1970s Japanese Loungewear
- Vintage Yves Saint Lauren Rive Gauche Cereal Print Skirt Set, 1980sBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYVintage Yves Saint Lauren Rive Gauche two-piece skirt set. Decorated with metallic effect cereal print in orange and brown hues. Gold tone button closure. Additional information: Co...Category
20th Century European Skirt Suits
- Vintage Silk Sleep Dress, 1930sLocated in New York, NYStunning vintage silk sleep dress from the 30s. Neckline and shoulder straps are made of the finest lace. Soft peach silk in very good condition. Additi...Category
20th Century Loungewear
- Burberry Wool Skirt Suit, 1990sBy BurberryLocated in New York, NYVintage Burberry Wool Two-Piece Skirt Suit. Dark purple color. Button Closure at Front Period: 1990s Fabric: 100% Wool; Lining 100% Rayon Size: XL / US 1...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Vintage Fontana Couture Feather Skirt Suit, 1990sBy FontanaLocated in New York, NYStunning vintage skirt suit by Fontana Couture. The jacket is decorated with beads, bugles and feathers. A beautiful satin belt with a bow accentuates ...Category
1990s European Skirt Suits
- Dolce & Gabbana Pantsuit, 2000sBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in New York, NYTrouser suit in fine wool and silk, perfect fit and cut. Dark blue color with pinstripe print. The jacket has two pockets and fastens with buttons. A row of buttons on the sleeve. Fu...Category
Early 2000s French Trouser Pant Suits
- JEAN PAUL GAULTIER SS 2001 co-ord mesh shirt and trousers Bacteria printBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Genève, CHCo-ord set with iconic Bacteria print from Gaultier SS 2001, fantastic condition. Made in Italy. Set is Top is in size XL, made of extremely flexible polyamide mesh and can fit from...Category
Early 2000s Italian Trouser Pant Suits
- Gianni Versace Suit Pink Jacket Skirt Set 1990'sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace Suit Pink Jacket Skirt Set 1990's 2 Piece - Jacket and Skirt co-ord. Waffle Suede Detail. Medusa Clear Buttons. Very Rare Piece. CONDITION: This item is a vintage...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Jean-Paul Gaultier Co-ord 1990s Soleil Flamingo Mesh Tank Top and Skirt SetLocated in London, GBJean-Paul Gaultier Co-ord 1990s Soleil Flamingo Mesh Tank Top and Skirt Set Rare 2-Piece Set - Tank Top and Skirt. Mesh Stretchy Material and Flattering Fit. CONDITION: This i...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Kenzo Jungle Velvet Red SuitBy Kenzo JungleLocated in London, GBKenzo Jungle Red Suit Jacket Blazer Skirt Floral Velvet Suit Jacket and Skirt Co-Ord Set Velvety Rose Pattern Detail CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some sign...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Dolce & Gabbana Suit Grey Leopard Blazer Jacket Skirt SuitBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana Suit Grey Leopard Blazer Jacket Skirt Suit CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some signs of natural wear and age are to be expected. However good ...Category
1990s Skirt Suits
- Christian Dior John Galliano Spring 2003 Skirt & Spring 2000 Top Size 44FRBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLChristian Dior John Galliano Spring 2003 Skirt & Spring 2000 Top Size 44FRCategory
Early 2000s French Skirt Suits